Samuel Abrams - Education and the Commercial Mindset

Sam Abrams discusses the history and impact of the commercial mindset in education, tracing its roots to Milton Friedman's 1955 essay. He explores the challenges of privatization, particularly the role of Wall Street and the issues with using testing as a quality control measure. Abrams contrasts for-profit and nonprofit education models and highlights successful business ideas in education, using Finland as an example. The book aims to provide an objective analysis of privatization's effects on education.

What is the primary focus of the National Center for the Study of Privatization in Education?

• To implement privatization policies in schools

• To promote privatization in education

• To objectively study privatization in education

• To oppose all forms of privatization

Which economist's essay in 1955 significantly influenced the idea of privatization in education?

• Milton Friedman

• Paul Samuelson

• Adam Smith

• John Maynard Keynes

What was Wall Street's prediction for the percentage of public schools to be run for profit by 2010?

• 20% to 30%

• 30% to 40%

• 10% to 20%

• 5% to 10%

Why is using testing as a quality control measure in schools problematic?

• It encourages teaching to the test

• It is too expensive

• It is too time-consuming

• It is not standardized

Which country is highlighted for successfully implementing business ideas in education without privatization?

• United States

• United Kingdom

• Finland

• Germany

What is one of the key business ideas applied in Finnish education?

• Reducing teacher salaries

• Eliminating arts education

• Efficiency wages

• Increasing class sizes

According to the text, what should schools focus on to make education more enticing for students?

• Increasing homework

• Adding more standardized tests

• Incorporating arts and music

• Reducing playtime